The biggest roadblock to your international legal career isn’t academic; it’s the INR 30–50 lakh price tag. A foreign law degree from a top school in the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia provides unmatched global career access, but the financial burden leads most Indian students to abandon their dream, despite BCI recognition of the degree.
That’s why scholarships for Indian students to study law abroad are essential. These funds can eliminate the financial stress, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel, giving talented law students a real chance at international education without lifelong debt. Programs like the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship, and the Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship are designed specifically to finance these high-stakes degrees.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about scholarships for Indian students to study law abroad in 2026 to take the next step toward your international legal career without the financial stress.
Why Study Law Abroad? Key Benefits for Indian Students
Studying law abroad offers more than just a degree. It gives Indian students a global edge that can shape their entire legal career. Here’s how:
1. Global Exposure That Changes the Game
Top law schools abroad expose students to new legal systems and real-world global issues. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025 for Law, top universities for law abroad include:
| University Name | Country | QS World Ranking (Law) 2025 |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | #1 |
| Harvard University | United States | #2 |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | #3 |
| Yale University | United States | #4 |
| University of Melbourne | Australia | #8 |
| University of Toronto | Canada | #16 |
2. Better Career Opportunities Worldwide
Graduating from a top countries for law can fast-track your legal career. Many Indian students land internships and placements at:
- Global law firms like Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and Baker McKenzie
- International organisations like the United Nations, World Bank, or Amnesty International
- Corporate legal teams of multinational companies
3. Practice Law Internationally
Studying abroad helps you qualify to practise law in various countries. The Bar Council of India recognises degrees from many accredited foreign universities. This means students can return to India and still qualify to practise law, after meeting BCI’s eligibility requirements.
4. Stronger Academic and Personal Growth
Studying and living abroad builds independence, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. You’ll also improve your communication and research skills.
Top 15+ Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Law Abroad
Students aiming to pursue law degrees abroad can access several law scholarships for indian students offered by governments, universities, and private trusts that cover tuition, living costs, and travel. These awards make studying law at top global institutions more affordable and open to deserving candidates.
1. Government & Prestigious International Scholarships
Government scholarships offer fully funded law scholarships for indian students or partial funding to study at leading global universities. Some of the most popular government scholarship programs include the following:
a. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship for law students is one of the UK government’s most prestigious awards. It supports outstanding students from India (and over 160 countries) to study a one-year master’s degree in the UK, including law programs at top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, and more. The scholarship is designed for individuals with a strong academic record, proven legal experience, and the potential to become leaders in the legal fields.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Chevening Scholarship (India) | Indian citizen with a bachelor’s degree and minimum 2 years of work experience (includes internships/volunteering) | Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, airfare, travel grant and visa costs | 7 October 2025 |
b. GREAT Scholarship
The GREAT Scholarships are law scholarships for Indian students in UK offered by the UK Government in partnership with the British Council and select UK universities. It supports Indian students pursuing postgraduate programs, including LLM and law-related degrees, in the UK.
Each year, more than 25 UK universities take part in this program. They offer partial funding to academically strong candidates with an interest in advancing their legal education in the UK.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| GREAT Scholarship (India) | An Indian citizen with a UG degree, a strong interest in the subject, and English language proficiency | GBP 10,000 (INR 11,69,470) toward tuition fees | Varies according to each institution |
Note: Conversion rate used GBP 1 = INR 116.9
c. Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are prestigious, fully funded scholarships offered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). They support talented Indian students who want to pursue a master’s degree in the US, including programs in International Legal Studies and related law fields.
These fellowships are ideal for early-career professionals with strong academic records and a clear interest in building global legal expertise.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Indian citizen with a 4-year UG degree, 3 years’ work experience, and leadership qualities | J-1 visa support, full tuition, living costs, airfare, and health insurance per U.S. Government guidelines. | May 14, 2025, 23:59:59 IST |
d. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship (For Indian Students)
The Commonwealth Law Scholarship for Indian students is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It supports talented students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including India. This fully funded award is ideal for Indian law students who want to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK, such as an LLM or other law-related programs.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship | Indian citizen with a first degree of at least upper second class, unable to afford UK study | Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, thesis & travel allowances | N/A |
e. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) – For SC Students (2025–26)
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a fully funded program offered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India.
It is one of India’s most comprehensive funding schemes for postgraduate degrees, including law programs like LLM at top universities around the world.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | SC/ST/OBC applicants with family income ≤ INR 8 lakh, admitted to PG/PhD abroad | Full tuition, living expenses, airfare, visa fees, insurance, and more | April 25–30, 2026 (tentative) |
2. University-Specific Scholarships
University-specific scholarships are offered directly by institutions to attract talented international students.
a. Hauser Global Scholars Program – NYU School of Law
The Hauser Global Scholars Program is a fully funded USA law school scholarships for indian students admitted to the LLM program at New York University (NYU) School of Law. It selects a small group of exceptional students from around the world who show top academic achievement, leadership, and a strong commitment to public service or global legal work.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Hauser Global Scholars Program | International LLM applicants with outstanding academic record, leadership, and potential for global legal impact | Full tuition, living stipend, travel stipend, and additional academic support | January 1, 2025 |
b. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program- Stanford University
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University is one of the most competitive and fully funded graduate scholarships in the world. It supports exceptional students to pursue any full-time graduate degree at Stanford, including JD (Juris Doctor) and LLM (Master of Laws) at Stanford Law School.
This program combines academic excellence with leadership training, cross-disciplinary learning, and a strong focus on global impact.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program | International or U.S. students applying to a full-time Stanford grad program (incl. JD/LLM); must have earned UG degree after Jan 2019 | Full tuition, living stipend, academic expenses, and travel grant | 2027 cohort will open in summer 2026 |
c. Schulich Entrance Scholarship- Dalhousie Law School
The Schulich Entrance Scholarship is one of the most generous Canada law scholarships for indian students, offering a total of CAD $63,000 over three years. Funded by philanthropist Sir Seymour Schulich’s $20 million donation, the scholarship supports exceptional students entering the Juris Doctor (JD) program at Dalhousie’s Schulich School of Law.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Schulich Entrance Scholarship | Admission to JD program at Dalhousie + 2 of: academic excellence, public service, or financial need | CAD 63,000 (INR 40,05,905) total CAD 21,000/year (INR 13,35,301) | January 15 |
Note: Exchange rate used CAD 1 = INR 63.59
d. Podell Global Graduate Legal Scholarship (LLM)- NYU School of Law
The Podell Global Graduate Legal Scholarship is a highly competitive, fully funded scholarship for international LLM students who demonstrate both financial need and academic excellence. It is designed to support students from low- and lower-middle-income countries, including India, pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at NYU School of Law.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Podell Global Graduate Legal Scholarship | Citizens of low/lower-middle-income countries with strong academics & financial need | Full tuition, living expenses, and round-trip airfare to New York | N/A |
e. University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship
The India High Achievers Scholarship is offered by the University of Auckland to support academically strong Indian students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs — including law degrees such as LLM.
This partial tuition scholarship is merit-based and does not require a separate application. It is awarded automatically to eligible Indian students based on academic achievement and the timing of the application.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship | Indian citizens applying for full-time UG or PG programs (incl. LLM) | Up to NZD 20,000 (INR 10,76,023) toward tuition fees | 2 April 2026 |
Note: Exchange rate used NZD 1 = INR 51.24
3. Trust & Foundation Scholarships
Trust and foundation scholarships are privately funded awards backed by charitable organisations and educational trusts that support Indian students pursuing law degrees abroad. Several organisations now offer women in law scholarships India to promote gender equality in legal education.
a. Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship is a privately funded program managed by the UK-based Felix Trust. It supports outstanding Indian students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue full-time postgraduate study in the UK. The scholarship is available at three universities: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Law students aiming for programs like the LLM can apply if eligible.
It is one of the most generous and competitive scholarships available to Indian students.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Felix Scholarship (India) | Indian citizen, first-class UG degree, underprivileged background, financial need | Full course fees, a living grant of about GBP 19,000 (INR 22,21,955), and one return flight from India to the UK. | January deadline as per your course |
b. Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships in the world. It is funded by the Rhodes Trust and its donors. Students applying for law programs, such as the BCL or MPhil in Law, are eligible. The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership, character, and a strong commitment to service.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Rhodes Scholarship (India) | Indian citizen, aged 19–25, first-class UG degree, proven leadership & service | Course fees, annual stipend of GBP 20,400 (INR 23,85,678) per annum (GBP 1,700 (INR 1,98,806) per month), visa, airfare, and International Health Surcharge (IHS) | Applications for 2026 are closed and will reopen in the next cycle. |
c. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
The Inlaks Scholarship is one of India’s most respected private scholarships, supporting outstanding students to pursue full-time master’s, MPhil, or doctoral programs at top universities in the US, UK, and Europe. The duration of the course can be between nine months to four years. Applying early for LLM scholarships for Indian students improves your chances of receiving financial aid.
This merit-based scholarship is ideal for Indian students with a strong academic background, professional potential, and admission to highly ranked global institutions.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Indian citizen ≤30 years, first-class UG degree, admission to a top-ranked international university | Up to USD 100,000 (INR 88,34,400) (or equivalent in GBP/EUR) for tuition, living, health allowance, and travel | Applications Closed for 2025 |
d. J.N. Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians
The J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship supports Indian students pursuing postgraduate, doctoral, or postdoctoral studies abroad, including law programs like LLM, MPhil, or PhD.
Unlike most scholarships, this is a loan scholarship. The loan must be repaid in equal installments from the third to the seventh year after the disbursement date.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Indian citizen ≤45 years, with a graduate degree with <=60% marks and confirmed admission abroad | Loan of INR 1–10 lakh + gift awards | Applications Closed for 2025 |
e. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (ISP)
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) offers a unique International Scholarship Programme (ISP) that supports outstanding students from developing countries to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. The AKF ISP is a 50% grant – 50% loan model, making it a shared-investment award. It is ideal for students with strong academic records, proven financial need, and a commitment to community service and development.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Grant | Application Deadline |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme (ISP) | Indian citizens under 30, with strong academics and financial need | 50% grant + 50% loan covering tuition & living expenses | N/A |
How to Apply for Law Scholarships Abroad: Step-by-Step Guide
To win scholarships for indian students to study law abroad, you need to start early, meet the eligibility requirements, and submit a complete application before the deadline. This quick 5-step guide will help you navigate the process.
- Step 1: Research Scholarships Early: Start 6–12 months in advance to find scholarships that match your goals, eligibility, and destination.
- Step 2: Shortlist Programs & Universities: Pick law schools and programs that align with your profile and are supported by the scholarship.
- Step 3: Prepare Core Documents: Gather transcripts, SOP, CV, references, and test scores as required by the scholarship provider.
- Step 4: Apply Before Deadlines: Submit accurate, complete applications before the deadline — some need a university offer first.
- Step 5: Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, be ready to explain your legal goals, motivation, and how the scholarship fits in.
Your Next Step Toward Studying Law Abroad
Finding the right scholarships for Indian students to study law abroad can open doors to world-class education, global legal exposure, and a rewarding career. From fully funded government programs to competitive university awards, the opportunities are within your reach if you plan early and apply smart.
Need help shortlisting scholarships or preparing your application? Explore expert guidance and free counselling options with Leap Scholar to get one step closer to your law degree abroad. Start your law scholarship journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a 100% scholarship to study abroad as an Indian student?
To get a 100% scholarship, apply to free law scholarships for indian students like Chevening (UK), Fulbright-Nehru (US), Commonwealth Scholarship, Erasmus Mundus, or the National Overseas Scholarship (India). You’ll need strong academics, leadership experience, and a well-written SOP.
Which is the cheapest country to study law for Indian students?
Germany and Norway offer very low or no tuition at public universities, but English-taught law programs are limited. Australia and Canada are emerging as the best country to study law for Indian students for manageable costs and partial scholarships.
What LSAT score do I need for a full scholarship?
An LSAT score of 170+ significantly improves your chances for merit-based indian law student scholarships 2026 at top US law schools. Some institutions may offer full or partial funding for high scorers with strong overall profiles.
Can I get a 100% scholarship to Harvard Law School?
It’s rare but possible. Harvard Law offers need-based aid and fellowships. External scholarships like Fulbright or Inlaks may also support partial costs if you’re selected and admitted.
What are the eligibility criteria for law scholarships abroad?
Eligibility varies but generally includes Indian citizenship, a strong academic record, proof of university admission, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and sometimes financial need or leadership experience.
Do Indian law students need IELTS for scholarships?
Yes, most law scholarships require proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent, unless your university waives it based on your academic background.
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